One of the tools that helps provide affordable rent prices is a federal subsidy program run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.) The program provides Section 8 vouchers for a building for a pre-determined period of time, usually 20 or 30 years. When that subsidy expires, affordable units are frequently converted to market-rate prices, pushing low-income renters out.

PHB has an ambitious plan, the "11 x 13 Campaign," to keep housing affordable. Working with private sector and non-profit community partners, we'll renew the federal contracts for 11 affordable properties by 2013, when many subsidies are set to expire.

This Friday, October 7, we'll celebrate the preservation of Uptown Tower, just off Burnside close to NW 23rd, which provides 72 very low rent apartments to seniors and people with disabilities. Not only did we help renew Uptown Tower's federal contract, the project included major upgrades to the building's apartments, community room, lobby, and hallways, as well as construction of a new activity area for residents.

Thanks to the work of the team at PHB and our community partners, residents at Uptowm Tower will enjoy updated living in one of Portland's most vibrant neighborhoods. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this project a success.